Scientific Sessions

Infectious disease surveillance is a cornerstone of public health, enabling the timely detection, monitoring, and control of diseases that can threaten communities worldwide. It involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data to track patterns of infections, identify outbreaks, and assess the effectiveness of prevention and control measures. Surveillance systems operate at local, national, and global levels, relying on both passive reporting from healthcare providers and active case-finding through targeted investigations. Modern surveillance incorporates laboratory confirmation, digital health tools, and real-time data sharing to ensure rapid responses. By continuously monitoring disease trends, public health authorities can implement interventions such as vaccination campaigns, travel advisories, or quarantine measures before outbreaks escalate into large-scale public health emergencies. This proactive approach not only protects human health but also helps prevent the social and economic disruptions associated with widespread epidemics.

Epidemiology complements surveillance by providing the scientific framework for understanding the distribution, determinants, and dynamics of infectious diseases within populations. Through epidemiological studies, researchers identify risk factors, modes of transmission, and vulnerable groups, allowing for evidence-based strategies to mitigate disease spread. For example, epidemiologists use statistical models to predict outbreak trajectories, evaluate the impact of public health policies, and guide resource allocation during crises. The integration of genomic epidemiology has further advanced the field, enabling the tracing of pathogen evolution and the identification of new variants with potential public health significance. Both surveillance and epidemiology play an interdependent role: surveillance generates the data, while epidemiology interprets it to inform policy and action. Together, they form the backbone of infectious disease preparedness and response, ensuring that health systems can act swiftly to protect populations from emerging and re-emerging threats such as COVID-19, Ebola, or antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. In a globalized world where diseases can cross borders within hours, strengthening surveillance and epidemiological capacity remains essential for safeguarding public health and building resilience against future pandemics.